Apple has confirmed that the third season of hit comedy drama series "Ted Lasso" will arrive on Apple TV+ in the spring, although it did not offer a specific date.
"Ted Lasso" is one of Apple's most popular TV shows to date, and it has won a number of awards. In the series, Jason Sudeikis plays a small-time college football coach from Kansas who is hired to coach a professional soccer team in England, despite having no experience coaching soccer.
The return of the award-winning series will likely be its final outing. Cast members said their goodbyes on social media immediately after filming of the third season wrapped up in November, and Apple has said nothing about a fourth season.
News of the show's return in the spring came as Apple presented on Wednesday at the winter Television Critics Association press tour, where it also gave a first look at several more original series coming to Apple TV+ in the spring.
An increasing number of third-generation Apple TV 4K owners are reporting connection issues with the Siri Remote that are only temporarily resolved by either restarting the remote or power cycling the set-top box.
Several MacRumors forum and Redditthreads have been created to bring attention to the issue, which seems to relate to the Siri Remote's inconsistent Bluetooth connection with the latest Apple TV 4K, even at close proximity.
Users report the Siri Remote losing connection with the Apple TV 4K intermittently, which can only be remedied by either re-pairing or restarting the remote, or unplugging the set-top box and then plugging it in again to re-establish the connection.
Notably, the problem doesn't occur when the same users try controlling their Apple TV 4K with the Remote app on their iPhone or with their TV remote via HDMI-CEC, suggesting the fault is indeed a Bluetooth issue between the remote and Apple TV 4K.
Whether the issue is down to a software bug or is hardware-related remains unknown, although there is some indication that the problem only began for some users after updating to tvOS 16.2, which could be the reason it has only now become a more widespread issue.
Some users have gone through several Apple TV 4K replacement units from Apple to try to solve the connection problems, with mixed results. Apple is clearly aware of the issue but has yet to respond publicly.
The third-generation Apple TV 4K was released in October 2022, featuring an A15 Bionic processor, 64GB or 128GB of storage, and HDR10+ support. It comes with a USB-C Siri Remote.
Geekbench scores for the newly announced Mac mini with M2 and M2 Pro chips have revealed a significant increase in performance compared to the previous-generation Mac mini and previous M1 Pro and M1 Max devices.
The scores reveal that the Mac mini with M2 Pro achieved a single-core score of 1,952 and a multi-core score of 15,013 for a configuration with 16GB of unified memory. For comparison, the previous M1 Mac mini achieved a single-core score of 1,715 and a multi-core score of 7,442.
The Geekbench scores are the first we've seen for the new M2 Pro, which is also available on updated 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros. While we've yet to see Geekbench scores for the updated MacBook Pros, M2 Pro's performance with the Mac mini is unlikely to differ greatly from its performance with the new Mac notebooks.
The M1 Pro in the previous-generation 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro scored a single-core score of 1,734 and a multi-core score of 10,076 compared to a single-core of 1,952 and a multi-core score of 15,013 for the M2 Pro. The M2 Pro, according to these results, also beats the M1 Max, which achieves 1,727 single-core and 12,643 multi-core scores.
Geekbench scores for the Mac mini with the M2 chip have also surfaced, revealing similar performance to the M2 MacBook Air announced in June 2022.
Users can configure the Mac mini with M2 with up to 24GB of unified memory, compared to 16GB with the previous M1 model. With the M2 Pro, Mac mini models can be configured with 32GB of unified memory. 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros powered with the high-end variant of M2 Max can have up to 96GB of RAM.
Both the updated Mac mini and 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro are available for pre-order on Apple's website and will begin arriving to customers on Tuesday, January 24.
Apple this week unexpectedly announced the second-generation full-sized HomePod, around two years after it discontinued the original smart speaker.
Priced at $299, the new HomePod joins the HomePod mini in Apple's line of TV and home products. A lower price tag at launch, a slightly tweaked design, and new features could help to make the second-generation HomePod more successful than its predecessor, which failed to capture mainstream market share and was ultimately discontinued. Below, we've highlighted what exactly has changed with the second-generation HomePod compared to the first-generation smart speaker.
S7 Chip
The new HomePod is equipped with the same S7 chip as found in the Apple Watch Series 7, whereas the original HomePod uses the A8 chip from the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Apple says the new chip offers "even more advanced computational audio."
Fewer Microphones and Tweeters
The new HomePod has four built-in microphones, compared to six in the original model. Apple says the microphones support "far-field Siri," allowing users to activate the voice assistant from a distance.
The latest HomePod also has fewer tweeters than the original model. Apple's specs sheet reveals the new HomePod has five tweeters around its base, compared to seven in the original smart speaker. The tweeters help power HomePod's acoustic performance by optimizing "high frequencies to produce detailed, articulate audio with stunning clarity." The reduction in the number of tweeters and microphones was likely a cost-cutting measure by Apple. Whether this will result in a noticeable drop in audio performance is currently unknown.
Temperature and Humidity Sensing
Unlike the original HomePod, the second-generation model is equipped with a temperature and humidity sensor. Apple has also enabled the HomePod mini's temperature and humidity sensor in HomePod software version 16.3.
The sensor can measure indoor environments, allowing users to create automations that close the blinds or turn on a fan or heater automatically when a certain temperature is reached in a room, for example. This information is exposed in the Home app like any other smart home accessory.
Easily Detachable Power Cable
First-generation HomePod
While force was required to remove the original HomePod's power cable, the new HomePod has an easily detachable power cable. The original HomePod came with the cable attached, and Apple did not recommend trying to detach it forcibly.
Larger Backlit Touch Interface
One of the noticeable design changes with the updated HomePod is a larger backlit touch interface on the top of the speaker. Compared to the original HomePod, the new model features a significantly larger interface that glows and illuminates different colors to show varying statuses of the speaker and when Siri is in use.
Lighter and Shorter Design
The new HomePod weighs 5.16 pounds, compared to 5.5 pounds for the original smart speaker. The upgraded HomePod is also 6.6 inches tall, while the original stood at 6.8 inches. Both HomePods feature the same width of 5.6 inches.
Thread and U1 Ultra Wideband Chip
The new HomePod supports Thread, a connectivity standard for smart home devices that improves connectivity by letting Thread devices talk directly to each other via a low-power mesh network. The original HomePod lacked Thread support, with only the HomePod mini having compatibility.
The new HomePod also has a built-in U1 Ultra Wideband chip, which detects when other U1-equipped devices like newer iPhone models are nearby and allows them to quickly hand off audio to the smart speaker.
What's Not Changed
With the new HomePod, there are two things that have not changed: Lack of Bluetooth audio support and line-in audio. Unlike many other portable speakers, the new HomePod cannot function as a standalone Bluetooth speaker. While the HomePod includes Bluetooth to communicate with HomeKit and other devices, users must pair the HomePod with their iPhone or iPad and use Apple's AirPlay protocol or Siri to play audio.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the new HomePod also lacks an audio jack, optical audio port, or any other ports. All interaction with the HomePod is done wirelessly using Apple devices.
The report states that Genius Electronic Optical (GSEO) will supply lens modules for Apple's upcoming headset, rumored to be called "Reality Pro," with shipments starting as soon as next month.
Genius Electronic Optical (GSEO) will supply lens modules for VR head-mounted devices, to be launched by Apple in 2023, with shipments to begin in February-March 2023, according to GSEO's supply chain makers.
Apple has been working on its AR/VR headset for several years, with a launch expected to take place this year. A timeline set forth by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggests that Apple will reveal the headset prior to WWDC, which takes place in June. At WWDC, Apple will detail its new xrOS operating system and introduce developers to its new capabilities before shipping the headset in the fall.
It is widely expected that Apple's first AR/VR product will be a high-end niche product aimed at developers and professionals. Several advanced technologies are rumored to be included in the headset, including over a dozen cameras to capture and translate real-world movements to virtual movements, two 4K micro-LED displays, iris scanning, facial expression tracking, powerful Apple silicon chips, and more.
The advanced nature of the headset will likely make it expensive, with rumors suggesting a price somewhere around $3,000. The headset will be Apple's first entry into a new AR/VR market and is just the start of Apple's roadmap. A new report this week said that Apple is working on a lighter, more affordable version of the headset while its augmented reality glasses face an indefinite delay.
Apple plans to release a new MacBook Air in the second half of 2023, and it may be equipped with a 3nm chip, according to a report today from Taiwanese publication DigiTimes. This chip would likely be Apple's next-generation M3 chip, which would offer faster performance and improved power efficiency compared to Apple's current 5nm chips.
"The supply chain is more focused on the more affordable MacBook Air, which is expected to be updated in the second half of 2023 and may be equipped with a 3nm processor," the report says, citing industry sources. The report does not provide any additional details about the MacBook Air or a more specific launch timeframe.
Apple's chipmaking partner TSMC kicked off mass production of 3nm chips in late December. The M3 chip in the next MacBook Air could be one of Apple's first 3nm chips alongside the A17 Bionic chip in iPhone 15 Pro models later this year.
Earlier this week, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed that the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro will also be updated with 3nm M3 Pro and M3 Max chips in 2024. This would be a familiar pattern for Apple, as the M1 and M2 chips debuted in the MacBook Air, followed by Pro and Max versions of those chips in the MacBook Pro later.
There's a few caveats to consider with this report. First, these are the same DigiTimes authors who claimed that the just-announced 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips would be "delayed" beyond early 2023, which was incorrect. Second, display industry analyst Ross Young last month claimed that a 15-inch MacBook Air would be released in the first half of 2023. If today's report is accurate, then perhaps both 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Airs with 3nm chips will launch in the second half of 2023 instead.
The current MacBook Air with the M2 chip was released in July and features an all-new design with a notch in the display, MagSafe charging, a 1080p camera, and more. Apple also continues to sell a MacBook Air with the M1 chip.
iOS 16.3 fixes an issue where horizontal lines flash across the screen on some iPhone 14 Pro Max devices when powered on or unlocked, according to Apple's release notes for the software update, which is in the final stage of beta testing.
Apple acknowledged the issue in an internal memo last week and said a fix was incoming, but it's unclear what the underlying cause is or how many iPhone 14 Pro Max devices are affected. The bug fix indicates it's a software issue, rather than a hardware defect, so installing iOS 16.3 when it's available should resolve the problem for affected customers.
Apple made the iOS 16.3 Release Candidate available to developers for testing today, and the update is expected to be released to the public next week.
Apple today released a new HomePod 16.3 software beta, which will accompany the iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3, tvOS 16.3, watchOS 9.3, and macOS Ventura 12.3 releases. The update adds support for the new HomePod and HomePod mini features that were announced today alongside the surprise introduction of the second-generation HomePod.
Installing the 16.3 HomePod software adds support for temperature and humidity sensing, both on the HomePod mini and on the second-generation HomePod.
As we highlighted this morning, the HomePod mini has a dormant temperature and humidity sensor that Apple is finally activating, allowing temperature and humidity settings to be used for home automation and device activation purposes.
Ambient sounds have been remastered to be more immersive and can be added to scenes, automations, and alarms in the Home app, and recurring Home automations can be set up using Siri commands. Apple has also added a unique confirmation tone that will play when smart home requests are enacted for accessories that are located in a different room or that do not show a visible change. Find My integration for HomePod also lets you ask Siri for the location of friends and family.
For the first and second-generation larger HomePod models, optimized audio tuning provides improved clarity for spoken content like podcasts and audiobooks, and on the first-generation HomePod, there are updated volume controls for more granular adjustments at lower volumes. Apple's full release notes for the update are below.
HomePod software version 16.3 includes support for new features for your HomePod. This update also includes bug fixes and stability improvements.
- Temperature and humidity sensing measures your indoor climate with HomePod (2nd generation) and HomePod mini - Remastered ambient sounds are more immersive and can now be added to scenes, automations, and alarms in the Home app - Find My on HomePod now enables you to ask Siri for the location of friends and family, if they have shared it with you Recurring Home automations can be set up using just your voice - Siri confirmation tone will now play to indicate when smart home requests are completed for accessories that may not visibly show a change or are located in a different room - Audio tuning optimizes spoken content such as podcasts for even greater clarity on HomePod (2nd generation) and HomePod (1st generation) - Updated volume controls on HomePod (1st generation) give you more granular adjustments at lower volumes
The HomePod 16.3 update is set to be released to the public sometime next week, and it will be able to be installed on HomePods using devices that are running iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3, or macOS Ventura 13.2. The updates will bring new features to existing HomePods, and enable features for the second-generation HomePod that launches on February 3.
Apple is developing an Apple TV with a faster processor, according to a new report from Bloomberg. The set-top box will have a new chip, and it is slated to come out in the first half of 2024.
The Apple TV will have the same design as the current Apple TV 4K, with Apple not tweaking the look. Little else is known about the update at this time, but Bloomberg says that though it will have an upgraded chip, it is unlikely to support 8K video streaming.
Along with a minor update to the Apple TV, Apple has other smart home products in the works. There is a device that combines an Apple TV, smart speaker, and FaceTime camera into one, but launch timing on such a product is unclear as it has suffered some design setbacks.
Apple is also developing a smart display that would serve as a sort of home hub for controlling HomeKit devices, making FaceTime calls, and more. That product could launch as soon as 2024.
Apple is designing a new display that will be used for smart home management purposes, reports Bloomberg. The device will be a sort of low-end iPad that can be used for controlling HomeKit devices, streaming video, FaceTime calls, and more.
It is designed to be mounted to walls or other objects using magnetic fasteners, so it will be more integrated into the home than an iPad. Such a product would compete with devices like the Meta Portal or the Echo Show from Amazon.
Past rumors from Bloomberg have described this device as something akin to the HomePod and the Apple TV, meant for home use rather than use while on the go. Apple is also considering larger smart home display options, and a product that combines an Apple TV set-top box, smart speaker, and FaceTime camera is in development, but the project has suffered setbacks.
As of right now, Apple is targeting a 2024 launch for iPad-like smart home display.
Apple today introduced new 5B59 firmware for the AirPods 2, the AirPods 3, the original AirPods Pro, and the AirPods Max, up from the 5B58 firmware that was released in November.
Apple does not offer immediately available release notes on what's included in refreshed firmware updates for the AirPods, but the company does maintain a support document with release information.
There is no standard way to upgrade the AirPods software, but firmware is installed over-the-air while the AirPods are connected to an iOS device. Putting the AirPods in the case, connecting the AirPods to a power source, and then pairing the AirPods to an iPhone or an iPad should force the update after a short period of time.
You can check your AirPods or AirPods Pro firmware by following these steps:
Connect your AirPods or AirPods Pro to your iOS device.
Open the Settings app.
Tap General.
Tap About.
Tap AirPods.
Look at the number next to "Firmware Version."
If we find notable changes after the firmware updates are installed, we'll update this article, but the software likely includes performance improvements and bug fixes.
Apple today announced that Advanced Data Protection is expanding beyond the United States. Starting with iOS 16.3, the security feature will be available globally, giving users the option to enable end-to-end encryption for many additional iCloud data categories, including Photos, Notes, Voice Memos, Messages backups, device backups, and more. iOS 16.3 is currently in beta and expected to be released to the public next week.
By default, Apple stores encryption keys for some iCloud data types on its servers to ensure that users can recover their data if they lose access to their Apple ID account. If a user enables Advanced Data Protection, the encryption keys are deleted from Apple's servers and stored on a user's devices only, preventing Apple, law enforcement, or anyone else from accessing the data, even if iCloud servers were to be breached.
iCloud already provides end-to-end encryption for 14 data categories without Advanced Data Protection turned on, including Messages (excluding backups), passwords stored in iCloud Keychain, Health data, Apple Maps search history, Apple Card transactions, and more. Advanced Data Protection expands this protection to the vast majority of iCloud categories, with major exceptions including the Mail, Contacts, and Calendar apps.
Advanced Data Protection first launched in the U.S. in December with iOS 16.2, and Apple said the feature would roll out to the rest of the world in early 2023, so the global expansion is on schedule. All of a user's devices must be updated to Apple's software versions that support Advanced Data Protection in their country to use the feature. Outside the U.S., this includes iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3, macOS 13.2, tvOS 16.3, and watchOS 9.3.
When Advanced Data Protection is enabled, access to iCloud.com is disabled by default. Users have the option to turn on data access on iCloud.com, which allows the web browser and Apple to have temporary access to data-specific encryption keys.
Advanced Data Protection is designed to maintain end-to-end encryption for most shared iCloud content, as long as all participants have Advanced Data Protection enabled, including iCloud Shared Photo Library, iCloud Drive shared folders, and shared Notes. However, Apple says iWork collaboration, the Shared Albums feature in Photos, and sharing content with "anyone with a link" do not support Advanced Data Protection.
Amazon today has the 64GB 2021 Apple TV 4K for $99.97, down from its original price of $199.00. This is a match of the all-time low price that we previously saw on this model over the holidays.
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Only the 64GB 2021 model is on sale on Amazon as this time; we haven't tracked a deal on the 32GB model since around Black Friday. For the 64GB device, Amazon is providing delivery estimates between January 25 and 26.
Apple today seeded the RC version of an upcoming macOS Ventura 13.2 update to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming one week after the release of the second macOS Ventura 13.2 beta.
Registered developers can download the beta through the Apple Developer Center and after the appropriate profile is installed, betas will be available through the Software Update mechanism in System Settings.
The macOS Ventura 13.2 update introduces support for Security Keys for the Apple ID, allowing users to verify their identity with physical hardware rather than a digital device code. Security Keys offer additional protection for the Apple ID, replacing the current verification codes provided on a secondary device when signing into a new device, signing into iCloud, using the Apple Store, and more. Apple's full release notes on the update are below.
This update introduces Security Keys for Apple ID, and includes other enhancements and bug fixes for your Mac. - Security Keys for Apple ID allow users to strengthen the security of their account by requiring a physical security key to sign in - Fixes an issue in Freeform where some drawing strokes created with Apple Pencil or your finger may not appear on shared boards - Fixes an issue where VoiceOver may stop offering audio feedback while you are typing Some features may not be available for all regions, or on all Apple devices. For detailed information about the security content of this update, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222
macOS Ventura is set to see a public launch next week.
Apple today seeded the release candidate versions of upcoming iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the new software coming a week after the second betas.
Registered developers can download the iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 profiles from the Apple Developer Center, and once installed, the betas will be available over the air.
iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 add support for physical Security Keys that can be used as added protection for an Apple ID. Any FIDO Certified physical security key can be linked to an Apple ID to be used for authentication when logging into a new device or otherwise accessing an Apple ID.
Security Keys replace the digital verification codes sent to an Apple device when using an Apple ID, and Apple says that the physical key provides strong protection against phishing and unauthorized account access. Note that two physical security keys are required when using this feature as there needs to be a backup in case one is lost. Losing a security key would revoke access to an Apple ID, as Apple cannot override the protection.
In addition to Security Keys, the beta also adds more instruction for transferring music from an iPhone over to a HomePod using handoff. Apple's full notes for the update are below:
This update includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:
- New Unity wallpaper honors Black history and culture in celebration of Black History Month - Security Keys for Apple ID allow users to strengthen the security of their account by requiring a physical security key as part of the two factor authentication sign in process on new devices - Support for HomePod (2nd generation) - Emergency SOS calls now require holding the side button with the up or down volume button and then releasing in order to prevent inadvertent emergency calls - Fixes an issue in Freeform where some drawing strokes created with Apple Pencil or your finger may not appear on shared boards - Addresses an issue where the wallpaper may appear black on the Lock Screen - Fixes an issue where horizontal lines may temporarily appear while waking up iPhone 14 Pro Max - Fixes an issue where the Home Lock Screen widget does not accurately display Home app status - Addresses an issue where Siri may not respond properly to music requests - Resolves issues where Siri requests in CarPlay may not be understood correctly
Apple today seeded the RC version of an upcoming watchOS 9.3 update to developers for testing purposes, with the new software coming almost a month after the release of the second watchOS 9.3 beta.
To install the new watchOS 9.3 update, developers will need to download the configuration profile from the Apple Developer Center.
Once installed, watchOS 9.3 can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General > Software update. To update to new software, an Apple Watch needs to have 50 percent battery life, it has to be placed on the charger, and it will need to be in range of the iPhone it is paired with.
According to Apple's release notes, watchOS 9.3 adds new features, improvements and bug fixes. It specifically introduces the Unity Mosaic watch face, offered to celebrate Black History Month.
Apple today seeded the RC version of an upcoming tvOS 16.3 update to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming a week after the release of the second tvOS 16.3 beta.
Developers can download the tvOS 16.3 beta by downloading a profile onto the Apple TV using Xcode.
tvOS updates usually minor in scale, focusing on internal bug fixes and improvements rather than notable outward-facing changes. There is no word as of yet what's included in the tvOS 16.3 update, and no features were found in the first beta.
Apple shares some information on tvOS releases in its tvOS support document, which is updated after each tvOS launch, but it does not provide details on betas.
Though we don't often know what's new in tvOS during the beta testing process, we let MacRumors readers know when new updates are available so those who are developers can download it upon release.
The second-generation HomePod introduced today will offer a Sound Recognition feature that allows the speaker to detect smoke and carbon monoxide alarm sounds and send a notification to the user's iPhone if either of those sounds are identified.
Apple says Sound Recognition will be available on both the new HomePod and the existing HomePod mini in a software update that will be released "later this spring," meaning the update should be available by June at the latest. It's unclear if the feature will also be rolled out to the first-generation HomePod released in 2018.
Apple warns that the feature should not be relied upon "in circumstances where users may be harmed or injured," or in "high-risk or emergency situations."
Sound Recognition on HomePods will require Apple's updated Home app architecture, which is temporarily unavailable after some users experienced issues after installing the update. It's not clear when the update will be made available again.
Sound Recognition was first introduced on the iPhone in 2020 and can detect a wide variety of sounds on that device, including a doorbell, running water, a baby crying, a car horn, a door knock, a cat meowing or dog barking, and more. Apple's announcement does not mention if HomePods will also be able to detect these other sounds, or if the feature will be limited to smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on the speakers.
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